Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is expanding its Sunflower Lanyard Program to better support passengers with hidden disabilities. The airport has added new signs throughout the terminal to raise awareness of the program and help travelers easily identify where assistance is available when needed. 

About the Sunflower Lanyard Program

The program helps travelers with hidden disabilities navigate the RDM Airport with greater ease. Passengers can wear a green sunflower lanyard to discreetly indicate they may need extra assistance or additional time. Trained employees and tenant partners wear white lanyards, making them easy to identify when support is needed. The program supports individuals with a wide range of conditions, including:  

• Autism
• PTSD
• Anxiety disorders
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease 
• Hearing impairments
• Vision impairments
• Chronic pain conditions
• Other non-visible disabilities

Program Now Used by Airports Worldwide 

The Sunflower Program first launched at Gatwick Airport in 2016 and has since expanded worldwide. Today, the initiative is recognized by more than 200 airports and thousands of organizations across transportation, healthcare, education, retail, government, and entertainment sectors. Many people live with disabilities that cannot be seen. The initiative helps increase awareness and understanding of these hidden challenges. An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability. 

How to Obtain a Sunflower Lanyard 

Passengers can obtain a sunflower lanyard, pin, or related support materials at no cost from:

• RDM Administration Office, located across from the TSA checkpoint
• Visit Central Oregon Welcome Counter, located near the rental car counters

No medical documentation or verification is required to request a lanyard.

RDM employees and airport tenant partners have been trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol and assist travelers who may need additional support.

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